Here’s an overview of the Best Bathroom Exhaust that we’ll explore today:
Bathroom exhaust fans matter for moisture control, odor management, and overall home comfort. A well-chosen unit can prevent mold growth, protect cabinetry, and reduce foggy mirrors, while also improving indoor air quality. In this comparison, I evaluated five models from Broan-NuTone and Amico across price, performance, acoustics, and installation practicality to help buyers align features with their bathroom size, ceiling access, and lighting needs. Methodology: I reviewed official specifications, measured noise levels by quoted sones, assessed airflow capacity (CFM) relative to room size recommendations, and analyzed installation considerations (attic access, no-cut limitations, grille design, and retrofit ease). I also considered energy efficiency (Energy Star certification) and warranty/support considerations. The lineup covers a budget pick, several room-side retrofit options, and a premium LED-enabled model, illustrating how small differences in CFM, noise, and lighting integration affect real-world use.
1. Broan-NuTone® Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- Brand: Broan-NuTone
- Manufacturer: Broan-NuTone
Overview: This budget-friendly Broan-NuTone model delivers 50 CFM with Energy Star certification and a 2.0 sones rating, targeting small baths up to about 45 sq ft. It features a no-cut, room-side installation with foldable mounting brackets and a modern white grille (Broan 688). The compact housing (approximately 7.25 x 7.5 inches) and a 3-inch duct make it suitable for retrofits where attic access is limited. The unit is US-made from Hartford, WI, and emphasizes simple installation and basic ventilation efficiency with single-speed operation.
Performance-wise, 50 CFM at 2.0 sones offers a balanced trade-off between airflow and quiet operation for smaller spaces. In practice, it handles moisture and odor in powder rooms or small baths, but larger or highly humid rooms may require higher CFM. Because it uses a traditional AC motor and a single-speed design, there’s limited ability to tune airflow or brightness (no integrated light). The easy-install claim is reinforced by the no-cut ceiling approach, which reduces demolition risk but can constrain duct routing in denser ceiling cavities. Expect solid basic ventilation, quick installs, and straightforward maintenance.
Pros
- Very low price point for a Broan-NuTone Energy Star fan
- No-cut, room-side installation simplifies retrofits
- Modern white grille blends with common ceilings
- Made in the USA with brand reliability
Cons
- Only 50 CFM — limited for larger bathrooms or high humidity
- No lighting integration or multiple speed options
- 2.0 Sones, while acceptable, is not ultralow
2. Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan Easy Retrofit without Attic Access
- Brand: Broan-NuTone
- Manufacturer: Broan-NuTone
Overview: This 80 CFM model offers a strong step up over the 50 CFM variant while maintaining a room-side installation and no attic access. It uses patent-pending SlideClip fasteners for grille installation and a CleanCover grille for a seamless ceiling appearance, plus Energy Star certification and 1.5 sones for a quiet operation. The unit is designed for bathrooms up to ~75 sq ft and emphasizes ease of retrofit and user-friendly maintenance.
Performance-wise, 80 CFM in a typical 75 sq ft bathroom provides more robust moisture control and reduces foggy mirrors more effectively than the 50 CFM option. The 1.5-sone rating places it in a quiet category suitable for bedrooms adjacent baths or open-plan spaces. The room-side installation with no attic cut, combined with SlideClip, makes this model attractive for DIYers and contractors seeking faster turnaround. A potential consideration is that the blower is rated at 80 CFM but real-world performance depends on duct length, elbows, and static pressure; ensure ductwork is optimized to maintain near-80 CFM in your space.
Pros
- Higher airflow (80 CFM) for larger or more humid bathrooms
- Very quiet operation at 1.5 sones
- No attic access required; fast, room-side retrofit
- SlideClip and CleanCover grille simplify installation and cleaning
Cons
- Slightly larger footprint (5.75” height) may affect ceiling clearance
- No built-in lighting in this variant
3. Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan – Easy Retrofit Without Attic Access
- Brand: Broan-NuTone
- Manufacturer: Broan-NuTone
Overview: This 60 CFM model targets compact bathrooms up to 45 sq ft with an ultra-quiet 0.9-SONES operation, leveraging the same Easy Retrofit, no attic access approach and SlideClip/CleanCover features for fast installation and maintenance. It emphasizes quiet performance without sacrificing essential ventilation, making it a strong choice for powder rooms and small masters where quiet operation is a priority.
Performance-wise, 60 CFM with 0.9 sones offers excellent quiet operation, but the lower airflow means it’s best suited for smaller bathrooms or spaces with lower moisture production. Real-world effectiveness will depend on bathroom size and humidity levels; in larger baths, you may notice slower moisture removal compared with higher-CFM units. The room-side installation remains a core benefit, and the 60 CFM model can pair well with modest duct runs to sustain the claimed efficiency.
Pros
- Ultra-quiet at 0.9 sones
- Efficient Energy Star performance with 60 CFM
- No attic access required; quick retrofit
- SlideClip and CleanCover for easy installation
Cons
- Lower airflow may not suit larger or highly humid baths
- No integrated lighting
4. Amico Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light
- Brand: Amico
- Manufacturer: Amico
Overview: Amico brings an 80 CFM, 0.9-sone exhaust fan with integrated adjustable LED lighting offering 5 color temperatures (2700K–5000K) and dimming, all housed in a ceiling-mount design. The unit targets bathrooms up to 80 sq ft and emphasizes a richer lighting experience alongside ventilation. With a ceiling opening around 8.8 inches square, it accommodates standard retrofit spaces while delivering a higher-end lighting option compared to pure ventilation.”
Performance and user experience stand out due to the integrated LED light with a claimed 50,000 hours of life and 1000 lumens output. The 0.9-sone operation keeps noise unobtrusive while the 80 CFM provides robust moisture removal for mid-sized baths. The 5CCT tunable light and dimming capability let users tailor ambiance, which is especially appealing in master baths or shared spaces. Installation remains relatively straightforward for standard ceiling openings, but the larger housing (approximately 11 x 11 inches footprint) may require more ceiling space than smaller, lighting-free models.
Pros
- Integrated LED light with 5 color temperatures and dimming
- Quiet 0.9-sone operation at 80 CFM
- High lumen output (1000LM) for bathroom lighting
- UL Certified and easy ceiling install
Cons
- Larger housing may complicate retrofit in tight ceilings
- Higher price point compared to basic fans
- LED light duration depends on driver reliability
5. Broan-NuTone Bathroom Exhaust Fan with LED light – Easy Retrofit Without Attic Access
- Brand: Broan-NuTone
- Manufacturer: Broan-NuTone
Overview: This premium Broan-NuTone model combines 80 CFM ventilation with an integrated LED light, delivering a More robust lighting package and Energy Star efficiency. The 1.5-SONES noise level aligns with common luxury-bath expectations, and the LED light is rated for long life (50,000 hours) at 3500K color temperature. It includes the same no-cut retrofit approach and SlideClip/CleanCover features for streamlined installation, with a slightly larger housing to accommodate the light.
Performance-wise, 80 CFM provides strong moisture control for mid- to larger bathrooms, particularly with the LED light enabling daytime brightness or evening ambiance. The LED integration adds value for users seeking a single, dual-function fixture. Real-world energy efficiency remains solid given Energy Star certification. Duct design and room size will determine whether you consistently hit or exceed the 80 CFM target, particularly in longer duct runs. The 3-year warranty provides additional peace of mind for fixture longevity.
Pros
- 80 CFM with integrated LED light
- Energy Star certified for efficiency
- Long-lasting LED (50,000 hours) at 3500K
- No attic access retrofit with SlideClip/CleanCover
Cons
- Higher price among the reviewed models
- 1.5 sones, not the quietest option in the list
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about bathroom exhausts to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: The best overall value depends on your priorities.
For strict budget and simple retrofit, Product 0 delivers dependable performance. For balanced performance and retrofit ease with higher airflow, Product 1 or Product 2 are solid.
If lighting and ambiance are important, Product 3 or Product 5 provide integrated LED options with comparable ventilation. Consider room size, ceiling space for housing, and whether you want LED lighting integrated into the fan housing when deciding among these options..